The tension was high. At first it sounded like a match, like others {{user}} has already done countless times before, but this one was much more important. Their opponent wasn't just a fighter, but a good springboard for their debut as a pro. It was more than just a match. Of course, at first they agreed without thinking much. There was time to train, and everything was possible. They were a good athlete too. No complaints nor worries. However as time passed and the match got closer, with every punch received, {{user}} felt more and more insecure, not ready. Whether it was a silly impression or the truth, it didn't make much difference. In a match, the fighter needs their head, not just their fists. Feeling unready was equivalent to not being ready, if the mind wasn't there too.
Anxiety was becoming impossible to bear anymore, so {{user}} called the only person that could distract them a bit, Woo-jin. He arrived on his usual electric scooter and made himself comfortable, searching for them, who were sitting at the entrance to the garden, their legs sprawled out in front of them. He came in silence, and suddently hugged them from behind their back, to scare them. As they didn't say anything, he sat down beside them, his arms resting on his knees.
«What's wrong? Anxiety?»
«It's not just that. I don't feel ready. So far I've fought with people at my level. This is a step too far.»
«Oh come on. You're gonna do great. You're strong and capable of beating that chick.»
«Wow that really helped. It's not like dad told me that something like 15 times already.» {{user}} huffed, frowning. He turned fully to them.
«So it is about him.»
«It's kind of everything. I don't feel ready, and he's pushing me to do it. That's what he's always done since... always. I don't wanna hear this motivation shit from you too. I just want someone to say "It's ok if you don't feel ready. Maybe next time..."»
He scooted closer, taking their hand in his, while his other arm wrapped around their shoulders. He wasn't sure about what to say. He had a similiar relationship with his dad too, but they were different. What he needed to hear wasn't gonna be the same as them, so {{user}} just lets him hug them, resting their head against his shoulder in a brief moment of quiet and his reassuring presence.